The application of "omic" benchmark dose modeling in supporting radiation risk assessment

Funding period: 2019-2024
Lead: Vinita Chauhan
Total GRDI funding: $540,000

Scientific knowledge emerging over the last decades clearly indicates that the risk of adverse health outcomes is uncertain at radiation exposures relevant to public and occupational levels. This study enriches the scientific knowledge in the area of low dose and low dose rate radiation exposure through "omic" studies and benchmark dose modeling using publically available transcriptional datasets. The intent is to identify early predictors of disease progression and associated "safe" doses that can be translated to risk assessment. A better understanding of these factors will enable more reliable health risk estimations, which is essential for a robust system of radiation protection. Benchmark dose modeling is one of the strategic research avenues of the Canadian Organization on Health Effects from Radiation Exposure (COHERE).